Methods and systems for displaying content

ABSTRACT

Provided are methods and systems for displaying content. A plurality of preferred content items can be displayed on one or more display devices according to user preference. In an aspect, an example method can comprise receiving preference information from a plurality of devices in a common location. A highest ranked preferred content item can be determined. At least one display parameter (e.g., size, shape, resolution, color, spatial coordinates, positions, etc.) for the highest ranked preferred content item can be determined. The plurality of preferred content items can be provided and displayed on the one or more display devices according to the determined at least one display parameter. As an example, the plurality of preferred content items can be provided and displayed on one display device, wherein the highest ranked preferred content item have the largest size.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/532,288, filed Nov. 4, 2014, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

It is possible to display a plurality of content items simultaneously onmultiple regions of a screen. However, the plurality of content items tobe displayed on multiple regions of a screen are pre-selected anddisplay parameters of the content items such as size and resolution arepredefined. These and other shortcomings are addressed in the presentdisclosure.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive, as claimed. Provided are methods and systemsfor displaying content. In one aspect, a plurality of content items canbe displayed on one display device according to a user preference. As anexample, preference information (e.g., preferred content items) can bereceived from one or more of a plurality of devices (e.g., userdevices). The plurality of devices can be in and/or around a commonlocation. A highest ranked preferred content item can be determinedbased on preference information received from one or more of theplurality of user devices. At least one display parameter (e.g., size,shape, resolution, color, spatial coordinates, positions, etc.) for thehighest ranked preferred content item can be determined. The pluralityof preferred content items can be provided on one or more displaydevices, wherein the highest ranked preferred content item can bedisplayed according to the determined at least one display parameter.

In another aspect, a plurality of content items can be displayed on aplurality of display devices according to a user preference. As anexample, preference information (e.g., preferred content items) can bereceived from one or more of a plurality of devices (e.g., userdevices). The plurality of devices can be in and/or around a commonlocation. A highest ranked preferred content item can be determinedbased on preference information received from one or more of theplurality of user devices. At least one display parameter (e.g., numberof display device) for the determined highest ranked preferred contentitem can be determined. The plurality of preferred content items can beprovided on one or more of a plurality of display devices based on thedetermined at least one display parameter.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system;

FIG. 2 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary system in which thepresent methods and systems can operate;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for displayingcontent;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for displayingcontent; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

Provided are methods and systems for displaying content. In an aspect, aplurality of content items can be displayed on one display deviceaccording to user preference. For example, user preference can compriseone or more preferred sporting teams, sports, news channels, topics,genres, a plurality of preferred content items, and the like. As anexample, preference information (e.g., topics, genres, sports teams,preferred content items) can be received from a plurality of devices(e.g., user devices). The plurality of devices can be in a commonlocation. A highest ranked preferred content item can be determined. Atleast one display parameter (e.g., size, shape, resolution, color,spatial coordinates, positions, etc.) for the highest ranked preferredcontent item can be determined. The plurality of preferred content itemscan be provided on one display device, wherein the highest rankedpreferred content item can be displayed according to the determined atleast one display parameter.

The disclosed method and system relates to providing multiple contentitems (e.g., television programs) to one or more display devices. Forexample, when only one television is available in a restaurant, ahighest ranked preferred content item (e.g., most popular content amongthe restaurant customers) of the multiple content items can be displayedwith largest size or the highest resolution in the television. One ormore non-highest ranked preferred content item (e.g., second popularcontent, third popular content) can be displayed in the remaining areaof the television with smaller size and/or lower resolution. The rankingof the multiple content items can be determined by customers in therestaurant via their associated user devices (e.g., smartphones, PDAs,tablets, etc.). As another example, when multiple (e.g., five)televisions are available in a restaurant, the highest ranked preferredcontent item (e.g., most popular content) of the multiple content itemscan be displayed in more than half of the total number of television(e.g., three televisions) and/or one or more display devices withlargest screen size, best display quality, best location (e.g., centerof the restaurant), a combination thereof. One or more non-highestranked preferred content item (e.g., second popular content, thirdpopular content) can be displayed in remaining number of televisions.For example, one television can display a second popular content and onetelevision can display a third popular content.

In an aspect, a plurality of content items can be displayed on one ormore of a plurality of display devices according to a user preference.For example, the user preference can comprise one or more preferredsporting teams, sports, news channels, topics, genres, a plurality ofpreferred content items, and the like. As an example, preferenceinformation (e.g., topics, genres, preferred content items) can bereceived from one or more of a plurality of devices (e.g., userdevices). The plurality of devices can be in and/or around a commonlocation. A highest ranked preferred content item can be determinedbased on preference information received from one or more of theplurality of user devices. At least one display parameter (e.g., size,color, resolution, number of display device) for the determined highestranked preferred content item can be determined. The plurality ofpreferred content items can be provided on a plurality of displaydevices based on the determined at least one display parameter. Thedisclosed methods and systems can serve for many applications such asvideo entertainment in a public place, wherein multiple video programscan be displayed in one or a limited number of display devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary content display according to an aspectof the system. In an aspect, a plurality of (e.g., two, three, four,five, etc) content items 101 a, 101 b, 101 c, 101 d and 101 e can bedisplayed on a display device 101. The plurality of content items cancomprise the highest ranked preferred content item 101 a, the secondhighest ranked preferred content item 101 b, the third highest rankedpreferred content item 101 c, the fourth highest ranked preferredcontent item 101 d, and the fifth highest ranked preferred content item101 e. In an aspect, the highest ranked preferred content item can be acontent item, a type of content item, a topic, a channel, and the like,preferred by the highest number of viewers located around the displayeddevice 101. In an aspect, one or more of the plurality of content itemscan be a sponsored content item that can be displayed regardless of rankor preference. In an aspect, the highest ranked preferred content item101 a can be displayed with one or more predefined display parameters.As an example, the one or more predefined display parameters cancomprise size, shape, resolution, color, spatial coordinates, direction,position, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the highest ranked preferredcontent item 101 a can be displayed at a specific position (e.g., upperleft corner) of the display device 101 such that the display of thehighest ranked preferred content item 101 a is more prominent relativeto other content items (e.g., largest size, easiest viewed position,etc). The second highest ranked preferred content item 101 b can bedisplayed at another specific position (e.g., upper right corner) of thedisplay device 101, such that the display of the second highest rankedpreferred content item 101 a is less prominent than the highest rankedpreferred content item 101 a (e.g., second largest size, etc.), but moreprominent relative to other content items. The third highest rankedpreferred content item 101 c, the fourth highest ranked preferredcontent item 101 d, and the fifth highest ranked preferred content item101 e can be equal-sized and displayed at the bottom portion of thedisplay device 101. In an aspect, the highest ranked preferred contentitem 101 a can be displayed at a higher resolution (e.g., 4K), and thenon-highest ranked preferred content items (e.g., 101 b, 101 c, 101 d,101 e) can be displayed at a lower resolution (e.g., 2K). In anotheraspect, the highest ranked preferred content item 101 a can be displayedwith color, and the non-highest ranked preferred content items (e.g.,101 b, 101 c, 101 d, 101 e) can be displayed with black and white. In anaspect, any combination of parameter can be used with any of the contentitems. For example, the highest ranked preferred content item can bedisplayed with the highest resolution and the largest size. Thenon-highest ranked preferred content item can be displayed with asmaller size and a lower resolution. As another example, the displayedcontent items can be in the same resolution, but only the highest rankedpreferred content item is displayed with color.

In an aspect, a plurality of display modes can be used. Each displaymode can comprise information such as a number of content items (e.g.,3, 4, 5, etc.) to be displayed and one or more display parameters (e.g.,size, position, resolution, color, shape, etc.) associated with eachcontent item. When a specific display mode is selected, at least onedisplay parameter for the plurality of preferred content items can beupdated accordingly. In an aspect, placement of one or more contentitems can be changed. For example, the highest ranked preferred contentitem 101 a can be relocated from the upper left corner to the center orupper right corner of the display device 101 when a specific displaymode is selected. In another aspect, size of one or more content itemscan be changed. For example, the size of the highest ranked preferredcontent item 101 a can be changed from half of the screen of the displaydevice 101 to one third of the screen when a specific display mode isselected. A display mode can be selected and/or activated any timeduring presentation of a plurality of preferred content items.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a system can be configured to provideservices such as network-related services to a user device. FIG. 2illustrates various aspects of an exemplary environment in which thepresent methods and systems can operate. For example, a user device 102can comprise a computer, tablet, mobile device, communications terminal,or the like. In an aspect, one or more network devices (e.g., computingdevice 104, network device 116) can be configured to provide variousservices to one or more devices, such as devices located at or near apremises. In another aspect, the network devices can be configured torecognize an authoritative device for the premises and/or a particularservice or services available at the premises. As an example, anauthoritative device can be configured to govern or enable connectivityto a network such as the Internet or other remote resources, provideaddress and/or configuration services like DHCP, and/or provide namingor service discovery services for a premises, or a combination thereof.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that present methods may beused in various types of networks and systems that employ both digitaland analog equipment. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatprovided herein is a functional description and that the respectivefunctions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination ofsoftware and hardware.

The network and system can comprise a user device 102 in communicationwith a computing device 104. In an aspect, the computing device 104 canbe a content display management server, for example. The computingdevice 104 can be disposed locally or remotely relative to the userdevice 102. As an example, the user device 102 and the computing device104 can be in communication via a private and/or public network 105 suchas the Internet or a local area network. Other forms of communicationscan be used such as wired and wireless telecommunication channels, forexample.

In an aspect, the computing device 104 can be associated with one ormore display devices, for example, display devices 111 a, 111 b and 111c. In an aspect, the computing device 104 and one or more of the displaydevices (e.g., display device 111 a, 111 b, 111 c) can be implemented asseparate network entities or reside in a common location. In the lattercase, the communication in the common location can be performed by wayof internal functionality.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can be an electronic device such as acomputer, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a set top box, a displaydevice, or other device capable of communicating with the computingdevice 104. As an example, the user device 102 can comprise acommunication element 106 for providing an interface to a user tointeract with the user device 102 and/or the computing device 104. Thecommunication element 106 can be any interface for presenting and/orreceiving information to/from the user, such as user feedback. Anexample interface may be communication interface such as a web browser(e.g., Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, or thelike). Other software, hardware, and/or interfaces can be used toprovide communication between the user and one or more of the userdevice 102 and the computing device 104. As an example, thecommunication element 106 can request or query various files from alocal source and/or a remote source. As a further example, thecommunication element 106 can transmit data (e.g., preferenceinformation) to a local or remote device such as the computing device104.

In an aspect, the user device 102 can be associated with a useridentifier or device identifier 108. As an example, the deviceidentifier 108 can be any identifier, token, character, string, or thelike, for differentiating one user or user device (e.g., user device102) from another user or user device. In a further aspect, the deviceidentifier 108 can identify a user or user device as belonging to aparticular class of users or user devices. As a further example, thedevice identifier 108 can comprise information relating to the userdevice such as a manufacturer, a model or type of device, a serviceprovider associated with the user device 102, a state of the user device102, a locator, and/or a label or classifier. Other information can berepresented by the device identifier 108. In an aspect, deviceidentifier 108 can be transmitted when preference information istransmitted from the user device 102 to the computing device 104.

In an aspect, the device identifier 108 can comprise an address element110 and a service element 112. In an aspect, the address element 110 cancomprise or provide an internes protocol address, a network address, amedia access control (MAC) address, an Internet address, or the like. Asan example, the address element 110 can be relied upon to establish acommunication session between the user device 102 and the computingdevice 104 or other devices and/or networks. As a further example, theaddress element 110 can be used as an identifier or locator of the userdevice 102. In an aspect, the address element 110 can be persistent fora particular network. In an aspect, address element 110 can betransmitted when preference information is transmitted from the userdevice 102 to the computing device 104.

In an aspect, the service element 112 can comprise an identification ofa service provider associated with the user device 102 and/or with theclass of user device 102. The class of the user device 102 can berelated to a type of device, capability of device, type of service beingprovided, and/or a level of service (e.g., business class, service tier,service package, customer status, etc.). As an example, the serviceelement 112 can comprise information relating to or provided by acommunication service provider (e.g., Internet service provider) that isproviding or enabling data flow such as communication services to theuser device 102. As a further example, the service element 112 cancomprise information relating to a preferred service provider for one ormore particular services relating to the user device 102. As an example,the service element 112 can comprise a preferred sporting event, apreferred news channel, a preferred music channel, and/or the like. Inan aspect, the address element 110 can be used to identify or retrievedata from the service element 112, or vice versa. As a further example,one or more of the address element 110 and the service element 112 canbe stored remotely from the user device 102 and retrieved by one or moredevices such as the user device 102 and the computing device 104. Otherinformation can be represented by the service element 112. For example,service element 112 can be associated with user profiles, userpreferences, user viewing history, and the like.

In an aspect, the computing device 104 can be a server for communicatingwith the user device 102. As an example, the computing device 104 can beconfigured to receive viewer preference information from a plurality ofuser devices such as the user device 102. In an aspect, the computingdevice 104 can interact with remote resources such as data, devices,content providers, and files. As an example, the computing device 104can be configured as (or disposed at) a central location (e.g., aheadend, or processing facility), which can receive content (e.g., data,input programming) from multiple sources. As an example, the multipleresources can comprise cable content providers, digital video disk (DVD)players, camcorders, satellite receivers, cameras, digital videorecorders (DVRs) and/or the like. In an aspect, the computing device 104can combine the content from the multiple sources and can distribute thecontent to one or more display devices (e.g., display device 111 a, 111b, 111 c) via a distribution system.

In an aspect, the computing device 104 can manage the communicationbetween the user device 102 and a database 114 for sending and receivingdata therebetween. As an example, the database 114 can store a pluralityof files (e.g., preferred customer identification, customer identifiersor records, or other information. As an example, the database 114 canstore display mode, display parameters, the like. In an aspect, thedatabase 114 can store information relating to the user device 102 suchas the address element 110 and/or the service element 112. Anyinformation can be stored in and retrieved from the database 114. Thedatabase 114 can be disposed remotely from the computing device 104 andaccessed via direct or indirect connection. The database 114 can beintegrated with the computing system 104 or some other device or system.

In an aspect, one or more network devices 116 can be in communicationwith a network such as network 105. As an example, one or more of thenetwork devices 116 can facilitate the connection of a device, such asuser device 102, to the network 105. As a further example, one or moreof the network devices 116 can be configured as a wireless access point(WAP). In an aspect, one or more network devices 116 can be configuredto allow one or more wireless devices to connect to a wired and/orwireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any desired method orstandard.

In an aspect, the network devices 116 can be configured as a local areanetwork (LAN). As an example, one or more network devices 116 cancomprise a dual band wireless access point. As an example, the networkdevices 116 can be configured with a first service set identifier (SSID)(e.g., associated with a user network or private network) to function asa local network for a particular user or users. As a further example,the network devices 116 can be configured with a second service setidentifier (SSID) (e.g., associated with a public/community network or ahidden network) to function as a secondary network or redundant networkfor connected communication devices.

In an aspect, one or more network devices 116 can comprise an identifier118. As an example, one or more identifiers can be or relate to anInternet Protocol (IP) Address IPV4/IPV6 or a media access controladdress (MAC address) or the like. As a further example, one or moreidentifiers 118 can be a unique identifier for facilitatingcommunications on the physical network segment. In an aspect, each ofthe network devices 116 can comprise a distinct identifier 118. As anexample, the identifiers 118 can be associated with a physical locationof the network devices 116.

In an aspect, the computing device 104 can be associated with aplurality of user devices (e.g., user device 102). In an aspect, thecomputing device 104 can receive preference information from a pluralityof user devices located in a common location (e.g., a restaurant, a bar,a conference). The preference information can comprise informationindicative of user preferences. For example, the preference informationcan comprise one or more preferred sporting teams, sports, newschannels, topics, genres, a plurality of preferred content items, andthe like. The computing device 104 can be configured to determine ahighest ranked preferred content item and at least one display parameterfor the highest ranked preferred content item based on preferenceinformation received from one or more of the plurality of user devices.Accordingly, a plurality of preferred content items can be provided toone or more display devices in the common location, wherein the highestranked preferred content item can be displayed according to thedetermined at least one display parameter.

In an aspect, the computing device 104 and/or the network device 116)can maintain registration information (e.g., login information)associated with a registered user or user device. For example, theregistration information (e.g., user preference, user profile, etc.) canbe stored in database 114. Accordingly, a user or a user device can beautomatically registered when the user or user device is present asecond time. In an aspect, a user can be prompted upon being within arange of a system (e.g., within a predefined distance to the computingdevice 104). For example, a user can receive a prompt for a preferenceinput or receive a request for inquiry on whether to count his userpreference information. As another example, a user can receive a promptto select a location if the user is within range of multiple locationchoices.

In an aspect, the computing device 104 can access multiple tuners and/ordevices to receive the plurality of preferred content items (e.g.,channels, television programs, movies, etc.). As an example, theplurality of preferred content items can be received from cable contentproviders, digital video disk (DVD) players, camcorders, satellitereceivers, cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs), and/or the like. Inone aspect, the computing device 104 can utilize a picture-in-picture(PIP) technique to provide the plurality of preferred content items inone content stream to a display device. As an example, attributes (e.g.,size, location, color, resolution, number of regions) of a PIP image canbe determined based on the at least one display parameter. In anotheraspect, the computing device 104 can remux the plurality of preferredcontent items and transmit the plurality of preferred content items to adisplay device. In an aspect, the computing device 104 can provide theplurality of preferred highest ranked preferred content items to aplurality of display devices according to network address (e.g., addresselement 110) and/or device identifiers (e.g., device identifier 108)associated with respective plurality of display devices. For example,the computing device 104 can transmit the highest ranked preferredcontent item to one or more display devices with largest screen and/orhighest display quality. In an aspect, the plurality of preferredcontent items can be synchronized such that all live video channelsand/or programs are displayed simultaneously in real time.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for displayingcontent. At step 302, preference information can be received from aplurality of devices. As an example, the devices can comprise userdevices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, computers, and/orthe like. The plurality of devices can be in a common location such as arestaurant, a bar, a conference, and the like. The plurality of devicescan each be associated with one of a plurality of users (e.g., customersin the restaurant or a bar). In an aspect, the preference informationcan comprise one or more preferred sporting teams, sports, newschannels, topics, genres, a plurality of preferred content items, andthe like. As an example, the content items can comprise televisionprograms, movies, channels, sport events, and the like.

In an aspect, the preference information can be received when theplurality devices register with (e.g., log into) a network device (e.g.,network device 116) associated with the common location (e.g.,restaurant). Accordingly, a computing device (e.g., computing device104) connected to the network device (e.g., network device 116) canreceive preference information via accessing user information associatedwith the plurality of registered devices. In an aspect, the system(e.g., computing device 104, network device 116) can maintainregistration information (e.g., login information) associated with aregistered user or user device. For example, the registrationinformation (e.g., user preference, user profile, etc.) can be stored indatabase 114. Accordingly, a user or a user device can be automaticallyregistered when the user or user device is present a second time. In anaspect, a user can be prompted upon being within a range of a system(e.g., within a predefined distance to the computing device 104). Forexample, a user can receive a prompt for a preference input or receive arequest for inquiry on whether to count his user preference information.As another example, a user can receive a prompt to select a location ifthe user is within range of multiple location choices.

In an aspect, the user information can comprise customer statusinformation, subscription information, user demographic information,viewing history, user interests (e.g., hobbies, favorite teams,political views), and/or the like. In an aspect, user information cancomprise preference information or a portion of preference information.As an example, the preference information can indicate a specific user(e.g., viewer, customer) prefers to watch a football game. As anotherexample, the preference information can indicate a specific user (e.g.,viewer, customer) prefers to watch a particular news channel.

In an aspect, the preference information can be received via facialrecognition. For example, a camera can determine the presence of a userby his facial features. The facial features of a user can be transmittedto a database to identify the respective user. User information of theidentified user can be retrieved accordingly.

In another aspect, the preference information can be received when aplurality of users (e.g., viewers, customers) make their preferenceselections based on a plurality of available content items and/or userinformation. For example, each of the plurality of devices can beprovided with a menu indicating a plurality of available content items.The menu can be in the form of popup dialog, overlay, email, text, orthe like. As an example, the plurality of available content items cancomprise a football game involving a particular team, a baseball gameinvolving a particular team, a specific news channel, a specific movie,and/or the like. A user can make a selection on the menu via multi-touchgestures, mouse clicks and other type of command appropriate for thedevice associated with the user. For example, a multi-touch gesture canbe used for a smartphone or a tablet, and a multi-touch trackpad can beused on a desktop computer. Preference information can be received whenthe plurality of users (e.g., viewers, customers) provide theirpreference selections on the menu.

At step 304, a highest ranked preferred content item can be determined.In an aspect, the highest ranked preferred content item can bedetermined via a computing device (e.g., computing device 104). As anexample, the highest ranked preferred content item can be determined viadetermining the number of users associated with each of the plurality ofavailable content items. The content items associated with the highestnumber of users (e.g., viewers, customers) can be determined as thehighest ranked preferred content item. For example, it can be determinedfrom user information associated with the plurality devices that highestnumber of users indicates football as their hobbies. Accordingly, anavailable football game can be determined as the highest rankedpreferred content item. As another example, it can be determined frommenu selections that highest number of users prefers to watch aparticular movie. Accordingly, the particular movie can be determined asthe highest ranked preferred content item.

In an aspect, content items can be ranked based on location of usersand/or user devices in a common location. For example, even though mostusers in a common location prefer a first content item, most userslocated in a specific section of the common location can prefer a secondcontent item. In this scenario, the disclosed methods can be implementedin the specific section of the common location. By way of example, thehighest ranked preferred content item in the specific location (e.g.,the second content item) can be displayed in the most prominent size,location, resolution, and the like, in the specific section of thecommon location.

In an aspect, determining a highest ranked preferred content item cancomprise determining a plurality of weight factors. As an example,determining the plurality of weight factors can comprise determiningcustomer status associated with the respective plurality of devices. Auser (e.g., customer) with higher customer status (e.g., preferredcustomer) can be assigned a higher weight on his preference selection oruser information than a user with lower customer status. In an aspect,determining the plurality of weight factors can comprise determiningloyalty points, reward points, amount of payments, and the like,associated the respective plurality of devices. As an example, a userthat uses more reward points can be assigned a higher weight on hispreference selection than a user with fewer reward points. In anotheraspect, determining the plurality of weight factors can compriseparticipating in a mini-game, a bidding process, and the like. Forexample, a winner of a mini-game can be assigned the highest weightfactor.

As another example, determining the plurality of weight factors cancomprise determining whether a preferred content item is a game, andwhether scores of the game is tied. A tied game can be assigned a higherweight than a non-tied game. As another example, determining theplurality of weight factors can comprise determining whether a preferredcontent item is a game, and whether the game is within a predefined time(e.g., five minutes) to an end. The game that is within a predefinedtime to an end can be assigned a higher weight than a game that is notwithin a predefined time to an end. As an example, determining theplurality of weight factors can comprise determining nature of contentitems. For example, if a content item related to a critical event suchas breaking international or national news, server weather conditions,crimes happening near the location of the display device, and/or thelike, the content item can be assigned a higher weight.

In an aspect, the highest ranked preferred content item can bedetermined at a specific frequency. For example, the highest rankedpreferred content item can be determined every five minutes. In anaspect, a computing device (e.g., the computing device 104) can receive(e.g., collect, inquire) preference information from a plurality ofdevices at a specific frequency. As an example, preference informationcan change when one or more user (e.g., viewer, customer) changes hismind on his preferred content item. As another example, preferenceinformation can change when users change in a specific period of time.For example, multiple customers can enter or leave the common location(e.g., the restaurant) over time.

At step 306, at least one display parameter for the highest rankedpreferred content item can be determined. As an example, the at leastone display parameter can comprise one or more of: size, shape,resolution, color, spatial coordinates, directions, positions, and thelike. For example, the highest ranked preferred content item can havelargest size on the screen of a display device in the common location.The largest size can be predefined (e.g., predefined coordinates). Asanother example, the highest ranked preferred content item can havehighest resolution (e.g., 4K resolution). As another example, thehighest ranked preferred content item can be displayed on a specificposition (e.g., center, upper left corner, etc.) of the display devicesuch that the display of the highest ranked preferred content item ismore prominent relative to other content items. As another example, thehighest ranked preferred content item can be displayed on a specificdirection and position relative to a specific point of the displaydevice. As another example, the highest ranked preferred content itemcan be displayed with color. As another example, the highest rankedpreferred content items can be displayed on one or more display deviceswith best display quality. As another example, the highest rankedpreferred content items can be displayed on one or more display deviceswith best location.

In an aspect, at least one display parameter of non-highest rankedpreferred content items can be determined. For example, the non-highestranked preferred content item can be displayed in black and white. Asanother example, a plurality of non-highest ranked (e.g., second highestranked, third-highest ranked, fourth-highest ranked) preferred contentitems can be equal-sized on the remaining screen of the display device.As another example, when the highest ranked preferred content item isdisplayed at the center of the display device, the non-highest rankedpreferred content can be display at four corners of the display device.In an aspect, the highest ranked preferred content item can be displayedin the highest number of display devices (e.g., more than half of totalavailable display devices). In another aspect, the highest rankedpreferred content item can be displayed in one or more display deviceswith largest screen size. In another aspect, the highest rankedpreferred content item can be displayed in one or more display deviceswith highest display quality.

In an aspect, a plurality of display modes can be predefined and stored.Each display mode can be associated with number of content items (e.g.,3, 4, 5, etc.) for display and associated one or more display parameters(e.g., size, position, resolution, number of display devices associatedwith each content item). As an example, at least one display parametercan be updated when a specific display mode is selected. In an aspect,placement of one or more content items can be changed. For example, thehighest ranked preferred content item can be relocated from the upperleft corner to the center or upper right corner of the display device101 when a specific display mode is selected. In another aspect, size ofone or more content items can be changed. For example, the size of thehighest ranked preferred content item can be changed from half of thescreen of a display device to one third of the screen when a specificdisplay mode is selected. A specific display mode can be selected and/oractivated any time during presentation of a plurality of content items.

At step 308, the plurality of preferred content items can be provided onone or more display devices, and the highest ranked preferred contentitem can be displayed according to the determined at least one displayparameter. As an example, the highest ranked preferred content item canbe displayed in largest size with color and highest resolution. Thenon-highest ranked preferred content item can be displayed in black andwhite and a lower resolution. As another example, the highest rankedpreferred content item can be displayed in one or more display deviceswith largest screen size and/or one or more display devices with highestdisplay quality. The one or more non-highest ranked preferred contentitems (e.g., three) can be displayed on one or more display device withsmaller screen and/or loser resolution. In an aspect, a computing device(e.g., the computing device 104) can access multiple tuners and/ordevices to receive the plurality of preferred content items (e.g.,channels, television programs, movies, etc.). As an example, theplurality of preferred content items can be received from cable contentproviders, digital video disk (DVD) players, camcorders, satellitereceivers, cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs) and/or the like. Inan aspect, a computing device (e.g., computing device 104) can utilizepicture-in-picture (PIP) technique to provide the plurality of preferredcontent items in one content stream to the display device. In anotheraspect, a computing device (e.g., the computing device 104) can remuxthe plurality of preferred content items and transmit the plurality ofpreferred content items to the display device. In an aspect, theplurality of preferred content items can be synchronized such that alllive video channels and/or programs are displayed simultaneously in realtime.

As an example, five content items can be provided and displayed on thedisplay device 101, as shown in FIG. 1. Five content items can comprisethe highest ranked preferred content item 101 a, the second highestranked preferred content item 101 b, the third highest ranked preferredcontent item 101 c, the fourth highest ranked preferred content item 101d, and the fifth highest ranked preferred content item 101 e. In anaspect, the highest ranked preferred content item 101 a can be displayedaccording to at least one predefined display parameter. As an example,the at least one predefined display parameter can comprise size, shape,resolution, color, spatial coordinates, directions, positions, and thelike. As shown in FIG. 1, five preferred content items can be providedon the display device. The highest ranked preferred content item 101 acan be displayed at a specific position (e.g., upper left corner) of thedisplay device 101 such that the display of the highest ranked preferredcontent item 101 a is more prominent relative to other content items(e.g., largest size, easiest viewed position, etc.). The second highestranked preferred content item 101 b can be displayed at another specificposition (e.g., upper right corner) of the display device 101, such thatthe display of the second highest ranked preferred content item 101 a isless prominent than the highest ranked preferred content item 101 a(e.g., second largest size, etc), but more prominent relative to othercontent items. The third highest ranked preferred content item 101 c,the fourth highest ranked preferred content item 101 d, and the fifthhighest ranked preferred content item 101 e can be displayed at equalsize of the bottom portion of the display device 101. As anotherexample, the highest ranked preferred content item 101 can be displayedat a higher resolution (e.g., 4K), and the non-highest ranked preferredcontent items (e.g., 101 b, 101 c, 101 d, 101 e) can be displayed at alower resolution (e.g., 2K). As another example, the highest rankedpreferred content item 101 a can be displayed with color, and thenon-highest ranked preferred content items (e.g., 101 b, 101 c, 101 d,101 e) can be displayed with black and white. As another example, thehighest ranked preferred content item can be displayed in the highestnumber of display devices (e.g., more than half of total availabledisplay devices). As another example, the highest ranked preferredcontent item can be displayed in one or more display devices withlargest screen size. As another example, the highest ranked preferredcontent item can be displayed in one or more display devices withhighest display quality.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example method for displayingcontent. At step 402, preference information can be received from aplurality of devices. As an example, the devices can comprise userdevices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, computers, and/orthe like. The plurality of devices can be in a common location such as arestaurant or a bar. The plurality of devices can be associated with aplurality of users (e.g., customers in the restaurant). In an aspect,the preference information can comprise a plurality of preferred contentitems. As an example, the content items can comprise televisionprograms, movies, sport events, channels, and the like.

In an aspect, the preference information can be received when theplurality of devices register (e.g., log into) with a network device(e.g., network device 116) in the common location (e.g., restaurant). Acomputing device (e.g., computing device 104) connected to the networkdevice (e.g., network device 116) can receive preference information viaaccessing user information associated with the plurality of devices. Inan aspect, the user information can comprise customer statusinformation, subscription information, user demographic information,viewing history, user interests (e.g., hobbies, favorite teams,political views), and/or the like. As an example, the preferenceinformation can indicate a specific user (e.g., viewer, customer)prefers to watch a football game. As another example, the preferenceinformation can indicate a specific user (e.g., viewer, customer)prefers to watch a particular news channel.

In another aspect, the preference information can be received when aplurality of users (e.g., viewers, customers) make preference selectionsbased on a plurality of available content items. For example, each ofthe plurality of devices can be provided with a menu indicating aplurality of available content items. As an example, the menu can be inthe form of popup dialog, overlay, email, text, or the like. As anexample, the plurality of available content items can comprise afootball game involving a particular team, a baseball game involving aparticular team, a specific news channel, a specific movie, and thelike. A user can make a selection on the menu via multi-touch gestures,mouse clicks and other type of command appropriate for the device inuse. For example, a multi-touch gesture can be used for a smartphone ortablet, and a multi-touch trackpad can be used on a desktop computer.Preference information can be received when the plurality of usersprovided their menu selections.

In an aspect, registration information (e.g., login information)associated with a registered user or user device can be maintained, forexample, by the computing device 104, the network device 116. Forexample, the registration information (e.g., user preference, userprofile, etc.) can be stored in database 114. Accordingly, a user or auser device can be automatically registered when the user or user deviceis present a second time. In an aspect, a user can be prompted uponbeing within a range of a system (e.g., within a predefined distance tothe computing device 104). For example, a user can receive a prompt fora preference input or receive a request for inquiry on whether to counthis user preference information. As another example, a user can receivea prompt to select a location if the user is within range of multiplelocation choices.

At step 404, a highest ranked preferred content item can be determined.In an aspect, the highest ranked preferred content item can bedetermined via a computing device (e.g., computing device 104). As anexample, the highest ranked preferred content item can be determined viadetermining the number of users associated with each of the plurality ofavailable content items. The content items associated with the highestnumber of users (e.g., viewers, customers) can be determined as thehighest ranked preferred content item. For example, it can be determinedfrom user information associated with the plurality devices that highestnumber of users indicates football as their hobbies. Accordingly, anavailable football game can be determined as the highest rankedpreferred content item. As another example, it can be determined frommenu selections that highest number of users prefers to watch aparticular movie. Accordingly, the particular movie can be determined asthe highest ranked preferred content item.

In an aspect, determining a highest ranked preferred content item cancomprise determining a plurality of weight factors. As an example,determining the plurality of weight factors can comprise determiningcustomer status associated with the respective plurality of devices. Auser with higher customer status (e.g., preferred customer) can beassigned a higher weight on his menu choice or user information than auser with lower customer status. As an example, determining theplurality of weight factors can comprise determining whether a preferredcontent item is a game, and whether scores of the game is tied. A tiedgame can be assigned a higher weight than a non-tied game. As anotherexample, determining the plurality of weight factors can comprisedetermining whether a preferred content item is a game, and whether thegame is within a predefined time (e.g., five minutes) to an end. Thegame that is within a predefined time to an end can be assigned a higherweight than a game that is not within a predefined time to an end. As anexample, determining the plurality of weight factors can comprisedetermining nature of content items. For example, if a content itemrelated to a critical event such as breaking international or nationalnews, server weather conditions, crimes happening near the location ofthe display device 101, and/or the like, the content item can beassigned a higher weight.

In an aspect, the highest ranked preferred content item can bedetermined at a specific frequency. For example, the highest rankedpreferred content item can be determined every five minutes. In anaspect, the computing device can receive (e.g., collect, inquire)preference information from a plurality of devices at a specificfrequency. As an example, preference information can change when one ormore user (e.g., viewer, customer) change his mind on preferred contentitems. As another example, preference information can change when userschange during a specific period of time. For example, multiple customersentered or left the restaurant during the specific period of time.

At step 406, at least one display parameter for the determined highestranked preferred content item can be determined. As an example, the atleast one display parameter can comprise one or more of: resolution,color, number of display devices. For example, the highest rankedpreferred content item can be displayed on more than half of availableplurality of display devices. As another example, the highest rankedpreferred content item can have highest resolution (e.g., 4K). Asanother example, the highest ranked preferred content item can bedisplayed with color. As another example, the highest ranked preferredcontent item can be transmitted to one or more of largest displaydevices. As another example, the highest ranked preferred content itemcan be transmitted to one or more display devices with the best location(e.g., center of a restaurant). In an aspect, at least one displayparameter of non-highest ranked preferred content items can bedetermined. As an example, one or more of non-highest ranked preferredcontent items can be displayed on one display device of the remainingavailable display devices with predefined resolution (e.g., 2K). Asanother example, the non-highest ranked preferred content items can bedisplayed with black and white.

In an aspect, at least one plurality of display parameter can beupdated. For example, when the highest ranked preferred content item ispreferred by majority (e.g., 80%) of users (e.g., viewers, customers),the highest ranked preferred content item can be displayed on more thaneighty percent of available display devices. In an aspect, the remainingdisplay devices can be used to display one or more non-highest rankedpreferred content items. For example, the plurality of non-highestranked preferred content items can be displayed on one remaining displaydevice with predefined sizes and resolution.

In an aspect, a plurality of display modes can be used. Each displaymode can be associated with one or more display parameters (e.g., size,position, resolution, number of display devices) associated with eachcontent item. A specific display mode can be selected and/or activatedany time during presentation of a plurality of content items.

At step 408, the plurality of preferred content items can be provided ona plurality of display devices based on the determined at least onedisplay parameter. In an aspect, a computing device (e.g., the computingdevice 104) can access multiple tuners and/or devices to receive theplurality of preferred content items (e.g., channels, televisionprograms, movies, etc.). As an example, the plurality of preferredcontent items can be received from cable content providers, digitalvideo disk (DVD) players, camcorders, satellite receivers, cameras,digital video recorders (DVRs) and/or the like. In an aspect, theplurality of preferred content items can be synchronized such that alllive video channels and/or programs are displayed simultaneously in realtime.

In an exemplary scenario, five content items can be provided on aplurality of display devices (e.g., nine display devices). The highestranked preferred content item can be displayed on more than half (e.g.,five) of the plurality of display devices, each of the plurality ofnon-highest ranked (e.g., second highest ranked, third-highest ranked,fourth-highest ranked) preferred content item can be displayed onremaining four display devices, each display device can be used todisplay one content item. In an aspect, the highest ranked preferredcontent item can be displayed with one or more predefined displayparameters. As another example, the highest ranked preferred contentitem can be displayed on a higher resolution (e.g., 4K), and thenon-highest ranked preferred content items can be displayed on a lowerresolution (e.g., 2K).

In an exemplary aspect, the methods and systems can be implemented on acomputer 501 as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below. By way ofexample, user device 102, computing device 104 of FIG. 2 can be acomputer as illustrated in FIG. 5. Similarly, the methods and systemsdisclosed can utilize one or more computers to perform one or morefunctions in one or more locations. FIG. 5 is a block diagramillustrating an exemplary operating environment for performing thedisclosed methods. This exemplary operating environment is only anexample of an operating environment and is not intended to suggest anylimitation as to the scope of use or functionality of operatingenvironment architecture. Neither should the operating environment beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any oneor combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operatingenvironment.

The present methods and systems can be operational with numerous othergeneral purpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the systems andmethods comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, servercomputers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additionalexamples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed bysoftware components. The disclosed systems and methods can be describedin the general context of computer-executable instructions, such asprogram modules, being executed by one or more computers or otherdevices. Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thedisclosed methods can also be practiced in grid-based and distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules can be located inboth local and remote computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems andmethods disclosed herein can be implemented via a general-purposecomputing device in the form of a computer 501. The components of thecomputer 501 can comprise, but are not limited to, one or moreprocessors or processing units 503, a system memory 512, and a systembus 513 that couples various system components including the processor503 to the system memory 512. In the case of multiple processing units503, the system can utilize parallel computing.

The system bus 513 represents one or more of several possible types ofbus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or localbus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can comprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, an AcceleratedGraphics Port (AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI),a PCI-Express bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association(PCMCIA), Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 513, and allbuses specified in this description can also be implemented over a wiredor wireless network connection and each of the subsystems, including theprocessor 503, a mass storage device 504, an operating system 505,content display software 506, content data 507, a network adapter 508,system memory 512, an Input/Output Interface 510, a display adapter 509,a display device 511, and a human machine interface 502, can becontained within one or more remote computing devices 514 a,b,c atphysically separate locations, connected through buses of this form, ineffect implementing a fully distributed system.

The computer 501 typically comprises a variety of computer readablemedia.

Exemplary readable media can be any available media that is accessibleby the computer 501 and comprises, for example and not meant to belimiting, both volatile and non-volatile media, removable andnon-removable media. The system memory 512 comprises computer readablemedia in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory(RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). Thesystem memory 512 typically contains data such as content data 507and/or program modules such as operating system 505 and content displaysoftware 506 that are immediately accessible to and/or are presentlyoperated on by the processing unit 503.

In another aspect, the computer 501 can also comprise otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media.By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates a mass storage device 504 whichcan provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputer 501. For example and not meant to be limiting, a mass storagedevice 504 can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removableoptical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices,flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and thelike.

Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on the massstorage device 504, including by way of example, an operating system 505and content display software 506. Each of the operating system 505 andcontent display software 506 (or some combination thereof) can compriseelements of the programming and the content display software 506.Content data 507 can also be stored on the mass storage device 504.Content data 507 can be stored in any of one or more databases known inthe art. Examples of such databases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft® Access,Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. Thedatabases can be centralized or distributed across multiple systems.

In another aspect, the user can enter commands and information into thecomputer 501 via an input device (not shown). Examples of such inputdevices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, pointing device(e.g., a “mouse”), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile inputdevices such as gloves, and other body coverings, and the like These andother input devices can be connected to the processing unit 503 via ahuman machine interface 502 that is coupled to the system bus 513, butcan be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as aparallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewireport), a serial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

In yet another aspect, a display device 511 can also be connected to thesystem bus 513 via an interface, such as a display adapter 509. It iscontemplated that the computer 501 can have more than one displayadapter 509 and the computer 501 can have more than one display device511. For example, a display device can be a monitor, an LCD (LiquidCrystal Display), or a projector. In addition to the display device 511,other output peripheral devices can comprise components such as speakers(not shown) and a printer (not shown) which can be connected to thecomputer 501 via Input/Output Interface 510. Any step and/or result ofthe methods can be output in any form to an output device. Such outputcan be any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to,textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like. The display511 and computer 501 can be part of one device, or separate devices.

The computer 501 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computing devices 514 a,b,c. By way ofexample, a remote computing device can be a personal computer, portablecomputer, smartphone, a server, a router, a network computer, a peerdevice or other common network node, and so on. Logical connectionsbetween the computer 501 and a remote computing device 514 a,b,c can bemade via a network 515, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or ageneral wide area network (WAN). Such network connections can be througha network adapter 508. A network adapter 508 can be implemented in bothwired and wireless environments. Such networking environments areconventional and commonplace in dwellings, offices, enterprise-widecomputer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executableprogram components such as the operating system 505 are illustratedherein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programsand components reside at various times in different storage componentsof the computing device 501, and are executed by the data processor(s)of the computer. An implementation of content display software 506 canbe stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media.Any of the disclosed methods can be performed by computer readableinstructions embodied on computer readable media. Computer readablemedia can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. Byway of example and not meant to be limiting, computer readable media cancomprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.” “Computerstorage media” comprise volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any methods or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Exemplary computer storage mediacomprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by acomputer.

The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence techniquessuch as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples of suchtechniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, case basedreasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks, fuzzysystems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarmintelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g.Expert inference rules generated through a neural network or productionrules from statistical learning).

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. A method comprising: determining, by a computing device, userpreference information associated with at least one preferred contentitem of a plurality of content items, wherein the user preferenceinformation is associated with a plurality of user devices; determining,based on the user preference information, a highest ranked preferredcontent item of the plurality of content items and a quantity of outputdevices; and causing output of the highest ranked preferred content itemto the quantity of output devices.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining the user preference information associated with the at leastone preferred content item of the plurality of content items comprisesreceiving, from the plurality of user devices, the user preferenceinformation, wherein the user preference information comprises at leastone of: topic information, genre information, sports information, sportsteam information, news channel information, or content item preferenceinformation.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the highestranked preferred content item of the plurality of content itemscomprises receiving an indication of a preferred content item from eachuser device of the plurality of user devices, wherein the plurality ofuser devices are located in a common location.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein determining the highest ranked preferred content item of theplurality of content items comprises: determining a plurality of weightfactors; and determining, based on the plurality of weight factors, atype of the highest ranked preferred content item.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein causing output of the highest ranked preferred contentitem to the quantity of output devices comprises determining an outputparameter, wherein the output parameter comprises at least one of: size,shape, resolution, color, spatial coordinates, direction, or position.6. The method of claim 1, wherein causing output of the highest rankedpreferred content item to the quantity of output devices comprises:determining a subset of the quantity of output devices; and causingoutput of the highest ranked preferred content item to the subset of thequantity of output devices.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein causingoutput of the highest ranked preferred content item to the quantity ofoutput devices comprises causing output of the highest ranked preferredcontent item at a larger size than output of a lower ranked preferredcontent item of the plurality of content items.
 8. A method comprising:causing, by a computing device, based on user preference informationassociated with a plurality of user devices, output of a first contentitem of a plurality of content items to a plurality of output devices;determining, based on a change in the user preference information, asecond content item of the plurality of content items; and causing,based on the change in the user preference information, output of thesecond content item of the plurality of content items to the pluralityof output devices.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein causing output ofthe first content item of the plurality of content items to theplurality of output devices comprises determining an output parameter,wherein the output parameter comprises at least one of: size, shape,resolution, color, spatial coordinates, direction, or position.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, wherein determining the second content item of theplurality of content items comprises receiving an indication of apreferred content item from each user device of the plurality of userdevices.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the secondcontent item of the plurality of content items comprises: determining aplurality of content attributes of the plurality of content items; anddetermining, based on the plurality of content attributes, a type of thesecond content item.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein determining thesecond content item of the plurality of content items comprises:determining, for each user device of the plurality of user devices, auser status; and determining, based on each user status, a type of thesecond content item.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein causing outputof the second content item of the plurality of content items to theplurality of output devices comprises causing output of the secondcontent item at a larger size than output of another content item of theplurality of content items.
 14. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising receiving, from the plurality of user devices, the userpreference information, wherein the user preference informationcomprises at least one of: topic information, genre information, sportsinformation, sports team information, news channel information, orcontent item preference information.
 15. A method comprising:determining, by a computing device, user preference informationassociated with at least one preferred type of content of a plurality oftypes of content items, wherein the user preference information isassociated with a plurality of user devices; determining, based on theuser preference information, a preferred type of content item of theplurality of types of content items; determining, based on the preferredtype of content item, a content item of a plurality of content items anda quantity of output devices; and causing output of the content item tothe quantity of output devices.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein theuser preference information comprises at least one of: topicinformation, genre information, sports information, sports teaminformation, news channel information, or content item preferenceinformation.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein determining thepreferred type of content item comprises: determining a content type anda content status of each content item of the plurality of content items;and determining, based on each content type and each content status, thepreferred type of content item, wherein the preferred type of contentitem comprises at least one of: a football content item, a basketballcontent item, a baseball content item, a hockey content item, or asoccer content item.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein determining thepreferred type of content item comprises receiving an indication of apreferred content item from each user device of the plurality of userdevices, wherein the plurality of user devices are located in a commonlocation.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein causing output of thecontent item to the quantity of output devices comprises causing outputof the content item at a larger size than output of another content itemof the plurality of content items.
 20. The method of claim 15, whereincausing output of the content item to the quantity of output devicescomprises determining a display mode associated with at least one of:size, shape, resolution, color, spatial coordinates, direction, orposition.